GARDEN CULTURE. 16.3 



leaves, or charcoal, as much to lighten the soil find make it 

 more friable, as for their fertilizing qualities. 



One of the most pernicious practices in cities is, the con- 

 tinual drenching of the grape borders with slops from the 

 house , this has become common from the well-known fac* 

 that they often contain a large amount of manurial ingre 

 dients. But the large amount of water accompanying 

 them usually renders them more injurious than beneficial. 



An occasional application of this kind may be of service, 

 if the borders are well drained ; but a better way of sav- 

 ing such materials is to dig a hole or make a cistern in 

 some out-of-the-way place, then add charcoal or dry muck 

 sufficient to absorb the moisture, and when the place be- 

 comes filled, take out the manure, add a little plaster, and 

 then it is ready for use. In this manner it becomes deodor- 

 ized and is really an excellent manure for the vine. 



There is one other point upon which a word of caution 

 may not be amiss, namely, not to apply top-dressings of 

 strong manures in summer, for this will usually cause the 

 vines to produce a late growth, which it is always desirable 

 to avoid. The best time to apply a top-dressing is in the 

 fall, as it then serves to protect the roots during the win- 

 ter, and the fertilizing materials are carried down by the 

 rains, and ready for use when the vine starts in the spring, 

 and a steady uniform growth is insured. It is not advisa- 

 ble to grow any plants except the vines in the border ; but 

 where there is a scarcity of room, a few bulbous rooted or 

 annual plants may be grown. If they are of the latter kind, 

 it is best that they should be trailing plants, such as ver- 

 benas, portulacca, etc., as these spread over the soil and 

 operate in a measure as a mulch ; still, they absorb more 

 moisture from the soil than their shade assists in retaining. 

 No deep-rooted perennial plant should be planted near 

 the vine. Neither should large shrubs or trees be placed 

 where they will continually shade the ground, for the roots 

 of the vine as well as the branches require warmth. 



